Clarke gets a decent hitout in the nets

AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke has trained in the nets for the first time since arriving in Dubai, but is still not certain to play in Australia's first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to start on October 22.

Clarke (pictured) arrived in the UAE six days before his teammates in an effort to try to acclimatise and give his sore back and hamstring plenty of time to recover from the long flight from Australia.

The 33-year-old had injections to free up the injured areas before the flight, and spent much of the trip walking up and down the plane.

He appeared to move freely in the net session at Dubai International Stadium, playing several powerful shots and using his feet well.

Australia's Test squad will play a four-day tour match against Pakistan A in Sharjah starting on October 15, before the first Test in Dubai.